Comedian, Actor and Filmmaker Vir Das has alleged that he received a counterfeit smartwatch after ordering an Apple Watch worth nearly ₹50,000 through quick-commerce platform Zepto. The incident, which he shared on social media, quickly gained traction online and sparked discussions about product authenticity and customer service on e-commerce platforms.
On Monday, Das posted a video on X showing the watch that was delivered to him. According to the comedian, the product did not resemble a genuine Apple Watch and instead appeared to be a low-cost imitation. He questioned the authenticity of the item and tagged Zepto and its customer support team while seeking an explanation for the delivery.
In his post, Das expressed frustration over the experience, claiming that the platform had charged him around ₹50,000 for the smartwatch. He also alleged that when he contacted customer support, he was initially informed that there was little that could be done regarding the issue. “Okay. Am I wrong, do all Apple Watches look like this or is Zepto being shady with China copies?” he wrote, adding that the situation felt like a “full scam.”
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The comedian explained that the watch had been ordered urgently for a professional shoot, prompting the use of a quick-commerce service. However, instead of receiving the expected product, he claimed he was delivered a device that appeared significantly different from the premium smartwatch he had purchased. His post was widely shared by social media users, many of whom expressed concern about the possibility of counterfeit products entering online retail supply chains.
Following the public criticism, the matter drew attention from Zepto, which responded to the complaint. The company reportedly reached out to Das and initiated steps to investigate the issue. The incident also reignited broader conversations about quality control, product verification and consumer protection in India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, where high-value electronics are increasingly being sold alongside groceries and daily essentials.
Das later shared an update indicating that the issue had been addressed and that the company had taken corrective action. While the exact circumstances behind the delivery remain unclear, the episode highlights the importance of robust verification systems and responsive customer support when handling expensive consumer electronics. It also serves as a reminder for customers to carefully inspect products upon delivery and report discrepancies immediately to sellers and platforms.
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